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–+ servings
Sesame Seed Wafers
Sesame Seed Wafers are delicately crisp cookies with a nutty richness and buttery sweetness, elevated by the earthy aroma of toasted sesame seeds. These vintage treats offer a satisfying snap and subtle caramel-like finish from brown sugar, making them ideal alongside tea or coffee. Toasting the sesame seeds deepens their flavor, giving this humble cookie a distinctive twist that bridges traditional Southern baking with global influences.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36 wafers
Calories 127 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup sesame seeds (toasted)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Toast Sesame Seeds

  • Place sesame seeds in a heavy iron skillet.
  • Heat over medium, stirring constantly until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
  • Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine All

  • Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
  • Fold in the toasted sesame seeds.

Step 6: Drop and Bake

  • Drop batter by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake at 325°F for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are golden.
  • Let cool on a wire rack.

Tips

  • Toast sesame seeds carefully, stirring constantly to avoid burning
  • For ultra-thin wafers, spread batter evenly and thinly on the sheet
  • Line baking sheet with parchment for easier removal
  • These cookies crisp further as they cool, do not overbake
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
  • Substitute half the sesame seeds with chopped walnuts for texture
  • Store in an airtight tin to maintain crispness
  • Excellent served with tea or coffee
  • Can be shaped into rounds or free-form wafers
  • Works well as a light dessert-table cookie

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 18mgPotassium: 48mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 135IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Keyword crisp wafers, from scratch, holiday treat, retro dessert, sesame seeds, thin cookies, vintage baking
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